The much-loved landmark in the heart of the city is set to undergo a huge transformation.
If you've ever wondered through town, particularly around Wellington Street, there's no doubt you will have seen the beautiful Met Hotel building.
The hotel has stood as a symbol of grandeur and elegance since 1899, and now plans for a major refurbishment have been announced to bring The Met Hotel into the modern day.
Set to complete in November this year, the restoration plans centre around preserving the building's historic features, while introducing thoughtfully curated interiors and an elevated hospitality experience.
Image: Supplied
There will also be a brand new restaurant and bar which will fit into the hotel's new aesthetic.
Opening in the late 1800s, the 125-bedroom hotel has welcomed guests for over a century.
Designed by local architects, it is renowned for its distinctive Victorian terracotta facade and stone cupola, taken from the city’s demolished 4th White Cloth Hall.
Image: Supplied
But do not worry, the new design will respect this original Victorian architecture, reinterpreting it through a contemporary lens. So no, we won't be saying goodbye to the iconic burnt terracotta facade - phew.
Mike Liddle, General Manager at The Met Hotel says: “We’re incredibly proud to be breathing new life into The Met, a building that holds such historic significance in Leeds. This refurbishment marks the beginning of an exciting new era, one that honours the hotel’s legacy while reimagining it for the modern traveller.
"Our vision is to create a destination that reflects the energy of the city, with beautifully designed interiors, vibrant communal areas, and an elevated guest experience at its core.”
To find out more, take a look at The Met Hotel's website.
The UK Aids Memorial Quilt is set to go on display across Wakefield this summer.
The quilt - consisting of 42 quilts and 23 individual panels, representing over 384 individuals affected by HIV and AIDS - will go on display at WX Wakefield from Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 June 2026.
All 42 quilts will be on display, with WX working in partnership with the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt Conservation Partnership.
Across the same weekend, selected individual panels will be displayed at different venues across the city including The Hepworth Wakefield, The Art House Wakefield, Theatre Royal Wakefield, Pontefract Castle and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Part of the world’s largest community art project, this is a huge opportunity for the city of Wakefield. The project started in the USA back in 1985 by activist Cleve Jones, commemorating friends, family and loved ones lost to AIDS.
Individual panels were then stitched together to create larger quilts, which were shown outdoors as a form of protest to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS.
Today, the quilt stands as a crucial reminder of those who were lost and of the continuing affect that HIV and AIDS has on the people of today.
At WX Wakefield, viewing the quilt is completely free and on Friday 5 June there will be a special late night opening up until 10:30pm to view the exhibition.
And on Saturday 6 June at 2:30pm, there will be a very special and poignant reading of the names of those commemorated on the quilt.
Featured image - UK AIDS Memorial Quilt, installation view at Tate Modern, June 2025. Photo: AM Hanson
Leeds
Leeds’ first frozen yoghurt bar is opening in Headingley this weekend
Clementine Hall
The frozen yoghurt craze is on its way to Leeds as Kefiyo is set to open in Headingley in just a few days.
It's a phenomenon that has caught the attention of the TikTok and Instagram girlies as of late, with frozen yoghurt bars popping up in Manchester and going viral online.
The ice cold sweet treat is supposedly 'healthy' and with a slogan of 'eat Clean. feel Light. live Better.' - this new spot in Leeds seems to be going down that route too.
Kefiyo will be opening in the old Sixes site on Ash Road in Headingley, and they've just announced that they'll be soft launching this Sunday 19 April 2026.
The space is already sporting a super cute pastel green and pink exterior, and it's exactly matching the aesthetic that you'd expect with froyo.
Kefiyo will offer a range of frozen yoghurt flavours with a whole bunch of toppings for you to customise to your tastebuds, as well as fresh acai bowls.
Situated slap bang in the centre of Headingley, we've got a feeling it'll be very busy with students on their way to their morning lecture or at night for those looking for a sweet treat that doesn't feel too naughty.
We'll keep you updated on more Kefiyo updates as and when we find out.
But in the meantime, you can keep an eye on their socials here. We'll see you soon for a scoop Leeds.
Clementine Hall -
6th August 2025 
